Colella Tabbed as New Coach at Duke

DURHAM, N.C., June 10. FROM the Southeastern Conference to the Atlantic Coast Conference, that’s the move that Dan Colella has made in his coaching career. Friday afternoon, Duke University announced that Colella has been named the Blue Devils’ swimming coach. A few months ago, Colella resigned his post at the University of Tennessee after a 12-year stint.

“We are thrilled to get a coach with Dan’s experience and expertise to lead our swimming program,” said Joe Alleva, Duke’s Athletic Director. “His background, from both an athletic and academic standpoint, speaks for itself. It is a great fit for our University and our program.”

Colella enjoyed a highly successful tenure at Tennessee, as he guided the Volunteer women to 10 top-25 finishes at the NCAA Championships. He oversaw 18 Southeastern Conference champions. Colella served as a Tennessee assistant from 1990-92 and took the head-coaching duties in 1993. He’s also been the coach at Indian River Community College, the premier junior-college program in the nation.

“After the interview at Duke, I knew it was perfect for me from a coaching standpoint and for my family as well,” said Colella. “I could tell that we will have a very supportive staff at Duke. I see all kinds of potential for Duke swimming to make a mark.”